George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Members of the George Brown Polytechnic community gathered at the St. James Campus on September 28 for an Orange Shirt Day gathering held in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Centred on the theme Honouring Survivors. Remembering the Children. Advancing Reconciliation, the gathering brought together students, employees and community members to reflect on the enduring impacts of Canada's residential school system, honour Survivors and their families and remember the children who never returned home.
The event featured prayers led by Grandmother Kokum Alita, an Honour Song, words of remembrance, and guided reflection activities designed to encourage learning, open dialogue and meaningful action.
“Through our Indigenous Education Strategy, we are actively integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into classrooms, institutional decision-making, and community-building initiatives on and off campus. We continue to strengthen relationships with partners such as the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, and many other local Indigenous partnerships,” George Brown Polytechnic President Dr. Gervan Fearon said.
“While progress has been made, we know reconciliation is an ongoing journey. It requires humility, accountability, and a willingness to listen, learn, and act.”
Reflecting on our shared responsibility
Throughout the gathering, participants were invited to engage with reflection and learning stations that explored the history and legacy of residential schools while encouraging consideration of individual and collective responsibilities toward truth, reconciliation, respect and reconciliation-focused action.
Held before September 30, the gathering recognizes that many Indigenous community members and others observing Orange Shirt Day may wish to spend the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with family, loved ones and their communities in reflection and Ceremony.
Honouring Indigenous voices and experiences
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led movement inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at a residential school. The day offers an opportunity to recognize the ongoing impacts of residential schools and reaffirm a commitment to learning, understanding, and reconciliation.
The gathering also featured reflections from Vivian Timmins, Traditional Grandmother (Kokum) on George Brown’s Indigenous Education Council and a proud member of Constance Lake First Nation. Vivian is a Survivor of the residential school system and brings her lived experience and cultural knowledge to her work in Indigenous mental health and community wellness. She shared reflections on her experiences and read a powerful poem she wrote about her childhood in residential school. The poem was not only an account of the harms that were inflicted on her as a child; it also spoke to what she has carried with her afterward and her determination not to let bitterness and anger define her future. Her words moved from painful memories toward a message of healing and hope for the future.
“Today’s Orange Shirt Day Awareness event was a solemn and meaningful reminder of our Truth and Reconciliation responsibilities in post-secondary education. Our work must be grounded in an understanding of the residential school system and the harms and mistrust it has created. We must continue to create culturally safe spaces for Indigenous learners across George Brown Polytechnic,” said Landy Anderson, Director of Indigenous Strategy and Senior Advisor on Indigenous Relations.
“I am deeply grateful to our Traditional Grandmothers (Kokums) for their prayers for Survivors, their families, our Indigenous communities, and those yet to come. Wearing orange was a powerful expression of our shared commitment to allyship, learning, and our ongoing reconciliation work.”
At George Brown, the gathering reflects the institution's commitment to advancing reconciliation through education, relationship-building and the work of Indigenous Initiatives. It also gives the polytechnic community an opportunity to come together in remembrance while considering the actions each of us can take to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future.
Continue learning and engaging
Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility that extends beyond a single day of reflection.
Learn more about Indigenous Initiatives, programs, resources and events at George Brown Polytechnic.
Indigenous Initiatives at George Brown
Community members are also encouraged to take part in events across Toronto that commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Check out events across the city, including the free annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square, hosted by the Toronto Council Fire Native Indigenous Centre, that celebrates Indigenous culture through performances, workshops, teachings, and community connection
- Visit the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square, featuring artwork by Indigenous artist Joseph Sagaj, creator of George Brown’s Indigenous Star Blanket Medallion and mural in the Limberlost Place Indigenous Student Centre.
